A solar flare is a tremendous explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in 'twisted' magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released.
In a matter of just a few minutes they heat material to many millions of degrees and produce a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays and gamma rays.
NASA underscores the far-reaching impacts of solar flares, capable of disrupting radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation systems, while also posing risks to spacecraft and astronauts.Read more...